Q: President Obama reportedly has approved an increase in his post-presidential retirement money, an increase in funds for his staff, plus a pension for his wife. How much are we talking about and how does compare with past presidents?
—Sherrill Lang, Tyrone
A: There have been several internet stories and rumors regarding this topic.
The Former Presidents Act established the presidential pension, which requires an act of Congress to change.
The pension for all former presidents was at $203,700 in 2015 and increased to $205,700 for 2016, according to a Congressional Research Service report published in March.
Presidential pensions are set at Executive Level 1, which is equal “to pay for cabinet secretaries,” states the report, titled “Former Presidents: Pensions, Office Allowances, and Other Federal Benefits.”
Only “Congress has the authority to reduce, increase, or maintain the pension and benefits provided to former presidents of the United States,” the report states.
The White House asked for a $588,000 increase to the 2017 budget for former presidents, which “anticipates President Barack Obama’s transition from incumbent to former president,” the report states.
The four living former presidents — Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush — also will use this increase for their pensions and expenses.
Snopes.com, in October, dispelled another internet rumor that Marian Robinson, Michelle Obama’s mother, would receive a pension of $160,000 a year.
First ladies also don’t receive a lifetime pension, the article stated.
Andy Johnston with Fast Copy News Service wrote this column. Do you have a question? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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